Multiple hearings over plan to lease Cincinnati parking operations

The back-and-forth Friday stretched from the federal court building back to the Hamilton County Courthouse. Two hearings, several legal arguments, and many hours later, we ended up back where we started the day--no decision.

The lawsuit to stop the city from leasing its parking operations and enforcement is still on the books. A hearing is scheduled for Friday March 15. Until then a temporary restraining order will remain in effect.

Cincinnati's mayor said the lawsuit is a delaying tactic. "If this lawsuit holds us up for much longer or if it's successful, the reality is the manager will have to lay off hundreds of city employees, including police and firefighters. That's what this suit could result in if it's successful," said Mayor Mark Mallory.

On the other side, attorney Chris Finney said the city is looking for any opportunity to sneak the ball across the line into the end zone. "Even five seconds without a temporary restraining order in place, the city is going to sign that lease. At that point, the city will argue that the case is moot," Finney said.

Cincinnati City Council approved a proposed parking plan Wednesday that will lease the city-owned meters, lots and garages to a private operator. In return, the city will receive a $92 million upfront payment and annual payments of at least $3 million. The term of the lease is 30 years for on-street operations and 50 years for off-street.

The Mayor, manager and majority on Council have a 60-to-90 day window to move bonds to the market.With a new July 1 budget cycle, the clock is ticking.

For those mounting a petition campaign about parking, they're already four days behind in starting to gather signatures.

Even as they scurried into Judge Winkler's court this afternoon, they were headed to the printer. They'll need 7500 valid signatures by April 6.

Plaintiffs attorney Curt Hartman said, "In a nutshell, this is really about whose government is it? Is it the people or six members of city council?"

No one can say with certainty how much time remains on the meter of this dispute.Only that it's running out quickly.

City solicitor John Curp said, "The city needs to know the outcome of the case as soon as possible."

Cincinnati City Council narrowly passed a parking lease deal earlier this week.

The city will get $92 million from the Port Authority and its private company partners in exchange for handing over operation of the city's parking resources for the next 30 years. The city will also get $3 million each year.

Opponents want to put the parking lease before voters and are planning to start collecting petitions this weekend.

The city must have the issue resolved by the end of March to avoid a budget crisis.

A Mexican photojournalist who left the state he worked in because of threats was among five people found shot to death in a Mexico City apartment this weekend, officials and press freedom advocacy groups said.